Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/94702
live in good health Just the Facts: Seasonal Affective Disorder When the winter doldrums hang heavy, you might be wondering if it could be seasonal affective disorder. Dr. Melissa Grimm, Meriter Internal Medicine physician, explains what you need to know By Kelsey Bewick What is it? Put simply: Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs at about the same time every year. Often referred by its aptly titled acronym, SAD is most likely to occur during the fall and winter, and is believed to be linked to light expo- sure. According to Dr. Grimm, women are more likely to develop SAD, but men who suffer from it tend to develop a more severe depression. SAD is generally more com- mon among those living in areas with long winters. What are the symptoms? Though there are plenty of indicators for SAD, Grimm notes they can affect ev- eryone a little differently. The most com- mon symptoms to watch out for include decreased energy, increased or decreased appetite, insomnia or sleeping more than usual, weight gain or loss, fatigue, irritabil- ity and anxiety. While any of these changes could happen courtesy of common winter blues, if you find they're building during the autumn months and lasting for awhile, you may want to consider treatment. How can it be treated? There are three main therapies that can be used on their own or in conjunction with one another. Dr. Grimm recommends light therapy, medication and counsel- ing. Some patients may start with light therapy, which is delivered through a light bulb that mimics sunlight, triggering a chemical change in your brain that helps ease your SAD symptoms. But when light therapy isn't enough, counseling or medi- cations offer options for patients suffering from SAD. Earn a FREE Season Pass* January 2013 • Enroll in Tyrol Basin's "Learn To" Package (Beginners only - Ages 10+) • Graduate after only THREE fun and easy lessons • Receive a FREE pass for the remaining part of the season • HURRY! Classes are filling fast — CALL AND REGISTER TODAY! • Other lesson options regularly offered range from beginner group lessons, children's programs that include equipment rental, to private lessons including freestyle terrain park instruction. 14 BRAVA Magazine December 2012 608.437.4135 TyrolBasin.com 3487 Bohn Road Mount Horeb, WI *Restrictions apply. Call ahead for details.